I just had an IM conversation about career paths with a good friend. He excitedly told me about new opportunities to work on two great projects. Problem is, he can’t pursue both simultaneously.

Believe it or not, this is less of a problem than he thinks. One concept foreign to many engineering projects is leverage. If someone tells you to build something a certain way, you usually don’t have a choice. In the business world, however, leverage is a vital part of every negotiation. Leverage is the equivalent of “compound interest” in the finance world. It’s what takes you from linear to exponential growth.

In the context of career planning, the fact that he has more than one option gives him leverage to go exponential. Don’t worry, I’m about to explain what that means.

Most job offers are made based on what the applicant is currently worth. But if you’re serious about your career, you should always aim to level up when switching from one job to the next.

leveling up [lev-uh-ling uhp] -verb: Engaging in a new activity that requires crossing the boundaries of your experience.

Finding an employer (or customer) who believes in your abilities enough to want to help you to level up is important. Luckily, with the right preparation, it’s not impossible.The differences between a job and a career are dedication and planning, and the only way an employer will let you level up is if you can fully demonstrate that you’re capable of growing into a new role.

So what does all this have to do with leverage? Much, young jedi. Leverage is that extra firepower you need–aside from confidence and dedication–to level up. In the case of my friend, having several great opportunities boosts his confidence, which makes it all the more likely that he’ll be able to prove his worth. In marketing, perception is always worth more than reality.